Cats Can Stay in Plane Cabins, CTA Rules

Comparing Cat PoliciesProposed by Canadian Airlines

Buffer Zone: Five rows separation, including access to washroom without walking by cat.
Notice: 48 hours for guaranteed buffer. Accommodation will be attempted within 48 hours but not guaranteed.

To Qualify: Contact the WestJet call centre, answer a number of questions and have application approved by a WestJet medical team. (This only has to be done once.)

Not Satisfied? If you are not comfortable flying with a cat, WestJet will rebook you at no charge, or refund your full fare.

Air Canada

Buffer Zone: Five rows at back of cabin for people with allergies, cats will be seated farther up (this allows access to washroom for people with allergies).

Notice: 48 hours for guaranteed buffer. Accommodation will be attempted within 48 hours but not guaranteed.

To Qualify: Fitness for Air Travel form (available from website) must be completed by a physician (good for 10 years for an adults, three years for children), which would confirm that your allergy is severe.

Kids: Children 8-11 not allowed to travel as unaccompanied minors; 12-18 can, if Fitness for Travel form states they can self-administer an asthma inhaler.

Of Note: If a passenger doesn’t have the Fitness for Air Travel form, and therefore revokes their request for a buffer zone, a note will be put in their file and they will be unable to ask for a buffer zone in the future, unless they can “support a change in their medical condition.”